What Are the Health Benefits of Bee Pollen?

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Herbalists recommend the use of bee pollen to lessen side effects of chemotherapy, boost athletic performance, and manage asthma and allergies, states WebMD. Patients can also use it for stomach problems, alcoholism and health maintenance. Other unproven uses include hay fever, premature aging, painful urination, joint pain and nosebleeds. As of 2015, there is no sufficient evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of bee pollen for these conditions.

Bee pollen is a bee product that consists of bee saliva, nectar and plant pollens, says Drugs.com. It is also available as a supplement, and the FDA has not approved it for medicinal use. This product is also available in skin softening products, says WebMD. It is possibly safe when taken for a short period. However, people with pollen allergies have a high risk of experiencing reactions such as swelling, anaphylaxis, hives and shortness of breath. It may also lead to increased bleeding if taken alongside blood thinners such as warfarin.

It may be necessary to consult an herbal medicine practitioner before using bee pollen, says Drugs.com. Patients should not use different forms of bee pollen together without speaking to a doctor. Topical forms of bee pollen are only for skin use, so they should not be taken by mouth.